8. Rey Mysterio
WWE Champion 2-time World Heavyweight Champion 2006 Royal Rumble Winner 2-time Intercontinental Champion Rey Mysterio literally broke the mould as to what it meant to be a World Champion. At 175 pounds, he was a regular and exciting component in WCW's thriving Cruiserweight division, with matches against Chris Jericho, Juventud Guerrera and Eddie Guerrero becoming mouth-watering classics for wrestling purists. With the fall of the company in 2001, it took a year for Mysterio to finally sign with the WWE, and immediately his high-flying acrobatics and fast-paced offense made him a popular fan favourite. He was a part of the acclaimed 'Smackdown Six' due to his consistent performances against the likes of Kurt Angle, Chris Benoit and the Guerreros, and soon he was able to pursue and capture multiple Cruiserweight titles and Tag Team championship reigns. But, a turning point in his career came with the sad passing of his longtime friend and Hall of Famer Eddie Guerrero in 2005. Mysterio began performing at peak proficiency against high calibre opposition, and would be go on to win the 2006 Royal Rumble with the longest time spent in the match's history. This victory would then lead to his greatest moment, capturing the World Heavyweight Championship at Wrestlemania 22 in honour of his departed friend. Though smaller superstars such as Shawn Michaels, Bret Hart and Guerrero himself had revolutionised the required look of a champion, Mysterio broke through a barrier that none would have ever envisioned possible. Despite his lesser weight and height, he was a World Champion, and he looked like he belonged. Whilst many would suggest both his World Championship reigns and his short-lived WWE Championship reign were poorly booked, the victories in themselves were signs that the company trusted and believed in the popularity and work that Mysterio brought into the WWE. He was able to feud effectively with larger superstars like Batista and the Undertaker to ensure that he maintained a position among the main-eventers. But, his superb series of matches with the likes of Chris Jericho and CM Punk have kept him fresh and entertaining in the WWE, even though he has had to adapt his style due to persistent knee injuries that now threaten to cut his career short. But, as soon as he calls time on his ground-breaking career, he will be certain of being a component of the Hall of Fame.